Just like that, another year is in the books. Before the New Year arrives, get into the festive spirit at these events happening throughout San Diego this December. From holiday concerts and food festivals to art exhibits and outdoor celebrations, here are some great ways to close out 2024 in style.
The Laundry Pub
Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Month
Del Mar Village’s Winter Taste and Sip
December 8
Del Mar Village’s Winter Taste and Sip gives attendees the chance to sample seasonal treats from local eateries, jam to live music, and celebrate the season with an awe-inspiring tree lighting.
Rockin New Year’s Eve at the Hotel Del Coronado
December 31
Count down to midnight at The Laundry Pub, the Del’s Rockin New Year’s Eve hot spot. End 2024 with rock n’ roll, an open bar, and the cherry on top: a dessert bar.
Mannheim Steamroller
Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Month
Mannheim Steamroller at California Center for the Arts, Escondido
December 2
Chip Davis leads the 15 musicians of iconic neoclassical ensemble Mannheim Steamroller—known best for their multiplatinum Christmas albums—in a yuletide show at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido.
Jingle Terrace Live at Moonlight Amphitheatre
December 8-23
Take photos with Santa Claus, meet real-life reindeer, purchase last-minute presents, and more at Moonlight Amphitheatre’s seasonal shindig Jingle Terrace Live in Vista.
2 Pianos 4 Hands at North Coast Repertory Theatre
December 12–29
Musicians Jefferson McDonald and Matthew McGloin will play hit songs and share amusing anecdotes when 2 Pianos 4 Hands returns to the North Coast Repertory Theatre.
The Illusionists
Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Month
Jewels of the Season at Timken Museum of Art
December 1-31
Admire the shimmering sight of more than 1,000 locally handcrafted baubles at the Timken Museum of Art. The Balboa Park institution’s annual Jewels of the Season showcase also includes an accompanying ornament-making workshop on Dec. 2.
John Waters at Lou Lou’s Jungle Room
December 8-9
Filmmaker, actor, author, and iconoclastic auteur John Waters stops by Lou Lou’s Jungle Room at the LaFayette Hotel for a deliciously filthy one-man Christmas special perfect for those who are proudly on the naughty list.
Project [BLANK]’s Fates, Boots and Bob
December 20
Project [BLANK]’s Salty Series gets in the festive spirit with Fates, Boots and Bob: A Hijacked Hootenanny Holiday Hullabaloo, involving crowd participation, extraterrestrials, and wild storytelling.
The Illusionists at the Civic Theatre
December 26-27
Though they won’t reveal their secrets, The Illusionists will share the “Magic of the Holidays” with a sleight-of-hand show at the Civic Theatre.
More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Month
Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village
December 7
Little Italy’s annual Tree Lighting & Christmas Village turns the seaside neighborhood into the North Pole with a pair of massive Christmas trees, a seasonal night market, and the sweet sound of carols.
San Diego Santa Run in Pacific Beach
December 14
Don your sneakers and a jolly red jumpsuit for the San Diego Santa Run—an annual tradition that sees thousands of Kris Kringles racing 3.1 miles through Pacific Beach.
